The Twelve Laws of Building a Healthy Growing Ministry The Law of the Kingdom

Growing churches do not see other churches as rivals or competitors; but seek to join forces with those who are like-minded on the MAJOR ISSUES of historic Christianity by regular time of prayer, worship, interaction of pastoral staff, and the offering of practical help to one another in times of need in order to impact their community for Christ.

I. Objective of this Session

To help pastors develop a kingdom mindset with other pastors and churches in their community around the essentials in scripture and to specifically repent of the prejudice, criticism, isolationism, and gossip that has occurred in the past.

II. Major Teaching Points

Philippines 2:3-4

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippines 2:3-4 (NIV)

II.Major Teaching Points a.As pastors we are commanded not to think of our own things, including the church, but also on the things of others (Phil. 2:3-4). b.The answer to Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is the unity of His body. By this we do not mean uniformity but genuine unity from the heart based on the essential truths of scripture. a.As pastors we are commanded not to think of our own things, including the church, but also on the things of others (Phil. 2:3-4). b.The answer to Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is the unity of His body. By this we do not mean uniformity but genuine unity from the heart based on the essential truths of scripture.

II.Major Teaching Points c. KINGDOM mindset is demanded by Jesus’ command to love one another in John 13: as the evidence of the reality that God sent Jesus to save the world from its sin and that He in fact is the Messiah. d.Jesus made it very clear to His disciples in Luke 9:50 that there is no room for spiritual elitism in the kingdom of God. c. KINGDOM mindset is demanded by Jesus’ command to love one another in John 13: as the evidence of the reality that God sent Jesus to save the world from its sin and that He in fact is the Messiah. d.Jesus made it very clear to His disciples in Luke 9:50 that there is no room for spiritual elitism in the kingdom of God.

II.Major Teaching Points e.Luke 6:38 makes it clear that as we give to others we become the objects of God’s blessing. This applies to our relationships with other churches and ministries.

III. Research

In the last twenty-five years denominational loyalty has greatly weakened among the churched and unchurched. Today people are looking for authentic relationships, spiritual vitality, inspirational proclamation of God’s Word with life application and a church with a sense of purpose and destiny that is doing visible good in the community.

III.Research A church committed to these principles will attract growth in a far greater degree than churches that protect their own local brand or denominational affiliation. Although we honor our denominational backgrounds and differences they must not be barriers to our genuine fellowship in Christ.

IV. Practical Implementation

a. BUILDING relationships with pastors of other churches in your community b. PRAYING with other pastors in your community c.Seeking opportunities to serve other bible believing churches in tangible specific ways a. BUILDING relationships with pastors of other churches in your community b. PRAYING with other pastors in your community c.Seeking opportunities to serve other bible believing churches in tangible specific ways

IV.Practical Implementation d.Consider joint times of worship for key leaders or congregations e. JOINT evangelistic efforts f. REGULAR prayers for one another in services g.Financial participation in other churches ministries d.Consider joint times of worship for key leaders or congregations e. JOINT evangelistic efforts f. REGULAR prayers for one another in services g.Financial participation in other churches ministries

V. Key Questions

1. How has this session challenged you? 2. What action steps do we need to take to become more kingdom minded? 1. How has this session challenged you? 2. What action steps do we need to take to become more kingdom minded?

VI. Helpful Resources/Tools

The High Impact Church, chapters 5-6. The sharing of Walk Thru the Bible videos and materials with neighbor churches. Hosting a Walk Thru the Bible seminar in your church and inviting neighbor churches to attend. for message downloads. The High Impact Church, chapters 5-6. The sharing of Walk Thru the Bible videos and materials with neighbor churches. Hosting a Walk Thru the Bible seminar in your church and inviting neighbor churches to attend. for message downloads.

VII.Questions and Answers